If you have ever experienced a significant injury or undergone surgery, you may have been prescribed an opioid drug to help manage your pain. Unlike over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, opioids are much more potent and used in cases of moderate to severe pain. Hydrocodone is a commonly prescribed opioid that carries a high potential for abuse and dependence.
Hydrocodone abuse can have devastating effects on your health, well-being, and relationships. To help get your life back on track, contact the professionals at Right Step Hill Country. We offer a variety of residential and outpatient opioid addiction treatment programs so that you can find the right type of care for your needs. Call us today at 1.844.675.1628 to learn more.
What Is Hydrocodone?
Hydrocodone is a commonly prescribed painkiller that belongs to the class of drugs known as opioids. It is typically prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain associated with chronic health conditions, injuries, and surgeries. Hydrocodone is sometimes combined with acetaminophen to enhance its pain-relieving effects.
While this powerful opioid can be beneficial when used as advised, it has a high potential for abuse and dependence that can lead to devastating long-term consequences.
What Are the Signs of Hydrocodone Abuse?
It can be upsetting to know that someone you care about is abusing hydrocodone or other opioids. The signs can vary depending on the person, but here are some fairly common signs of hydrocodone abuse you should familiarize yourself with:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite
- Mood swings
- Rapid weight loss or gain
Another sign that someone could be abusing hydrocodone is doctor shopping. This means scheduling appointments with more than one doctor to obtain more hydrocodone pills after another doctor refuses to prescribe them.
Long-Term Hydrocodone Side Effects
Hydrocodone abuse can lead to serious long-term side effects. Some of the potential side effects of misusing hydrocodone include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Elevated anxiety
- Impaired cognitive function
- Heart failure
- Irritability
- Memory loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sexual dysfunction
The severity of hydrocodone side effects can vary depending on several factors, including your dose, weight, age, metabolism, what other substances you use, and your overall state of health.
Overcoming Hydrocodone Addiction
Misusing hydrocodone can also lead to one especially concerning side effect: addiction. If you take more hydrocodone than prescribed by your doctor or use the drug recreationally, your chances of developing an addiction are higher. If you cannot stop using hydrocodone or experience withdrawal symptoms when you try, it is time to consider enrolling in addiction treatment. Opioid addiction recovery often includes:
Detoxification
The first step in overcoming hydrocodone addiction is to detox. Your addiction treatment team will either have you quit cold turkey or slowly wean you off the drug by gradually reducing your dose. As hydrocodone leaves your body, your care team can provide you with medications to help ease your discomfort from withdrawal.
Medication
Withdrawal symptoms can last longer than the detox period, sometimes weeks or even months. To help mitigate the effects, your provider may keep you on a regimen of methadone, buprenorphine, or Suboxone to minimize cravings and discomfort.
Therapy
You may attend individual counseling, group therapy, or family therapy sessions to work through personal issues that contribute to hydrocodone abuse. Your therapist can help you develop a relapse prevention plan to eliminate or avoid your triggers.
Support
Recovery is for the long-term, so you would benefit from joining a support group or continuing to receive support through an alumni program.
Overcome Opioid Addiction by Calling Right Step Hill Country Today
Hydrocodone abuse can ruin a life, but it is never too late to turn things around. Contact Right Step at 1.844.675.1628 to schedule an intake assessment or submit our online contact form to get started.